Father Brown (BBC-1 2013, Mark Williams, Sorcha Cusack)

We were rather surprised to find this rather smart period crime drama series shunted into an afternoon slot, surely a prime time Sunday evening position would have been more appropriate. Admittedly it is good to see the BBC continuing with their commitment to have strong drama on during the daytime but we think this deserves a bigger audience.

Mark Williams plays G.K. Chesterton’s legendary Father Brown, who, much like Miss Marple, manages to find himself involved in the solving of mysteries where ever he goes. Brown was last seen on TV in 1974 when he was played by Kenneth More and there was also a fine 1950’s movie starring Alec Guiness in the title role. The only down side here is that the action has been moved forward several decades to the 1950’s – not too sure why other than for maybe cost?

Each season of the series was broadcast every weekday across two weeks.

production details
UK / BBC-1 / x50 minute episodes / Broadcast from Monday 14 January 2013

Character created by G.K. Chesterton
Producers: Sam Hill, Ceri Meyrick
Executive Producers: Will Trotter, John Yorke

cast
Mark Williams as Father Brown
Hugo Speer as Inspector Valentine
Sorcha Cusack as Mrs McCarthy